🔮 exsanguinated (with @sangwhine)

[mystracal]

tfln | invitations | and there was only one bed | undermountain alurlyath | what could be | blood bond | the price of freedom
it wore his face | dinner with morena dekarios | rediscovery

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[sangwhine]

What?

[That throws Astarion a moment, he gives Gale a look before glancing over towards the entrance to the tent.]

I wasn't exactly keeping an eye out for our companions. I was somewhat occupied with my own matters, dearest.

[mystracal]

It's just—

[He also glances toward the entrance to the tent, brushing his hair out of his face with his free hand.]

It has been some time since I indulged in such a way with my, ah. Physical body. I can be... unfortunately indiscreet.

[sangwhine]

Is "unfortunately indiscreet" wizard-speak for "incredibly loud"?

[Astarion sits back on his haunches, unsure how to take this turn of events.]

[mystracal]

Yes. Yes it is.

[Gale thinks he might be redder than he was when Astarion was making his way down his chest out of sheer embarrassment. Maybe he should just explode himself. That'd save him the mortification.]

[sangwhine]

Well, it's not something I mind.

[He pauses, fang pressed into his lower lip as he braces both hands against Gale's knees.]

Unless there's some sort of spell for it, there's only one solution I know for that particular circumstance.

[mystracal]

[He holds up a finger.]

There is a spell for silence, but I assure you that I will not be able to concentrate on it if this was just a forefront of what is to come.

[Even when aroused, he is ever the insufferable know-it-all.]

[sangwhine]

I can assure you that was only a taste of what's to come.

[Astarion pauses, considering him.]

Two solutions, then. One, we adjourn our little tryst to find a space more suitable within the city.

Two, I seal that pretty mouth of yours.

[mystracal]

You present me with such options when I can hardly think of anything but you.

[He takes a deep breath. On one hand, he's already worked up, and the camp is safer than the city, especially if Cazador is looking for Astarion.

On the other, he will never live it down if any one of their companions hears about this. Or hears this, rather. He grunts, frustrated.]

I'm going to die of embarrassment if we get caught.

[sangwhine]

[That strikes something in Astarion. He moves a hand to cup Gale's cheek, making sure to meet the wizard's gaze.]

Why would you be ashamed of it? If they knew.

[mystracal]

[Their eyes meet, and Gale's brow furrows.]

Not ashamed, just- awkward. Uncomfortable. I've always thought of intimacy as something to be shared in private.

[sangwhine]

We have the privacy of your tent, even if the others may overhear.

[Astarion drops his hand, his uncertainty growing by the moment.]

Gale, what do you want?

[mystracal]

I wanted to not kill the mood.

[He sighs, sitting up straighter, his nose wrinkled in irritation.]

I don't want them to hear. I don't want them to wonder why you're in here with me, of all people. You, who could have anyone you wanted.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion frowns, reaching out to hold Gale's hands in his.]

You are who I want, Gale Dekarios. If anyone wonders otherwise, I'll gladly correct their mistaken assumptions.

[mystracal]

[Astarion is so insistent with his decision — and it is his decision — that Gale can't help but laugh, a quiet chuckle bubbling in his chest and rattling from his throat as a realization hits him.]

A world's worth of wizardly intellect, and I'm still a fool. I tried to give you all the agency in the world this evening, only to doubt it when it came to the most important choice of all: who you want to be with. It might feel a little licentious, but I should consider myself the luckiest man alive to even have your attention... to know who you are.

[He brings Astarion's hands to his lips, kissing them tenderly. That touch means so much to him.]

Forgive me.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion lets out a sigh, curling his hands in Gale's to cup the wizards face between them.]

I won't hold this against you, dearest. Not unless you make a habit of it.

[He holds Gale's gaze a moment longer, some inscrutable thought flickering behind his eyes before he turns away.]

Though I'm sorry to say you might have left the mood dead and buried. It doesn't feel right anymore.

[mystracal]

[Gale nods in agreement.]

And I promised you I would accept it - no matter the reason. I'm a fool - your fool, mind you - but I am also a wizard of my word. There will be other times.

[He collects his shirt and slips it back over his head, hiding the soft glow of the orb in his chest once more.]

[sangwhine]

[His fool, hm? Gods, but Gale is such a fool sometimes. Astarion shakes his head, running his hand through Gale's hair.]

Gale, dearest. I never asked for you to put your shirt back on.

[mystracal]

[He pauses, his arm barely in the sleeve.]

What, you'd like to look at this all night?

[Yes, that is a soft chest with a circular scar and a bit more hair than he's comfortable with, thanks for looking.]

[sangwhine]

I would, yes. I'd like to lay my head on it as I rest.

[mystracal]

[W e l l]

Of course.

[How silly of him to question. How stupid. How utterly asinine. Gods, the way Astarion makes him smile and feel more confident about his self-worth is astounding. Over his neck the shirt goes for a third time, tossed aside as he fluffs the cushions behind him, then reclines.]

Only the finest pillow for the future vampire lord.

[sangwhine]

[So much wizard knowledge in that brain there's no room for anything else. Astarion looks down at Gale, very clearly appreciating the view before he leans closer for a kiss.]

You do spoil me.

[He doesn't let it linger, moving to curl against Gale's side, his head pillowed against his chest.]

You know, even if we didn't continue. I was still glad for what we did have. It felt...right.

[mystracal]

[Even the briefest kiss will carry Gale far, the sensation of Astarion's lips on his leaving his heart just a little lighter. He wraps his arm around Astarion's back, folding his other arm across his middle as he settles in.]

I wonder what contributed? The safety of this well-fortified tent? The deeply romantic atmosphere of pillows and books? The thought that you'll soon be getting your revenge? Or, perhaps more likely, a combination thereof?

[He's halfway teasing; whatever the reason, he sounds happy to help Astarion feel more in control of his life, of his choices.]

[sangwhine]

[This is comfortable. This is nice. Astarion reaches for the hand at Gale's stomach, threading their fingers together as he stretches out to tangle their legs together. He feels safe here, being held by Gale, listening to the steady beat of his heart.]

The thought of making a goddess envious was very appealing. As well as perhaps trying to do better than her at loving you.

[mystracal]

[Gale clasps Astarion's hand readily, adjusting his legs to help weave them together. As close as he is, Astarion can no doubt hear the gentle hum of the orb in his chest - sated and calm, for now.]

You make me feel as though I'm worth something in this world, just as I am. You're already doing far better than she ever could.

[sangwhine]

[The orb is definitely an added bonus. It's not often your partner has pure arcane power just beneath the skin.]

Now don't get too saccharine on me. I was talking about sucking your cook.